Definition

A gastrostomy makes a new path for food to enter the body. A tube is placed through the belly and into the stomach. It may only be needed until other areas heal or need to stay in permanently. Gastrostomy can be done as:

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Upper GI endoscopy—use of a tube with a lighted camera is used to view the inside of the stomach

Leading up to your procedure:

Talk to your doctor about your medicine. You may be asked to stop taking some medicine up to one week before the procedure.

Avoid food or fluids after midnight before surgery.

Arrange for a ride to and from the hospital.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia
will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery.

Description of the Procedure

A gastrostomy may be done at the same time as another stomach surgery.

An incision will be made through the skin and the belly wall. The last cut will be made in the stomach. A tube will then be placed through the skin and into the stomach. This tube will be stitched in place. The incision will be closed.

Immediately After Procedure

The doctor will make sure that the tube is placed correctly. You will be moved to the recovery room. The care team will watch you for any complications.

How Long Will It Take?

At least 1 hour

How Much Will It Hurt?

The area will be painful after the surgery. Medicine will help with the pain until you heal.

Average Hospital Stay

This procedure is done in a hospital setting. You will stay 1 to 2 to make sure the tube is secure. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

Post-procedure Care

After the procedure, you can expect the following:

You may need to get nutrition through an IV for the first couple of days. Clear liquids will be passed through the tube first. You will then be moved on to thicker liquids.

The care team will show you how to use and care for the feeding tube.

The care team will also talk about any possible complications.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of these occur:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site around the tube

Tube becomes dislodged. This is most common in first 2 weeks. If the tube is left out the opening can close.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.